Of all the scientists to emerge from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, there is one whose name is known by almost all living people. While most of these do not understand this man's work, everyone knows its impact on the world of science is astonishing. Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany, on March 14, 1874. Before his first birthday, his family had moved to Munich, where young Albert's father, Hermann Einstein, and uncle set up a small electro-chemical business. He was fortunate to have an excellent family with a strong relationship. Albert's mother, Pauline Einstein, had an intense passion for music and literature, and it was she that first introduced her son to the violin in which he found much joy and relaxation. Also, he was very close with his younger sister, Maja, and they could often be found in the lakes scattered about the countryside near Munich. Einstein's sense of curiosity had already begun to stir as a child. His favorite toy was his father's compass, and he often marveled at his uncle's algebra explanations.
             Although young Albert was intrigued by certain science mysteries, he was considered a slow learner. His failure to become fluent in German until he was nine even led some teachers to believe he was disabled. Einstein's post-basic education began at the Luitpold Gymnasium when he was ten. It was here that he first encountered the German spirit through the school's strict disciplinary policy. His disapproval of this teaching method led to his reputation as a rebel. These differences probably caused Einstein to search for knowledge at home. He began not with science but with religion. He avidly studied the Bible, seeking truth, but this religious fervor soon died down when he discovered the intrigue of science and math. To him, these seemed much more realistic than ancient stories. With this new knowledge, he disliked class even more and was eventually expelled from Luitpold Gymnasium, considered a disruptive i...